Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe – Easy & Crispy Homemade Version
This Honey Walnut Shrimp is a restaurant-quality dish that you can make in just 30 minutes! Juicy, crispy shrimp are coated in a light batter, fried to perfection, and tossed in a creamy honey sauce with sweet, crunchy candied walnuts. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy, making it a favorite for seafood lovers. Serve it with steamed rice, garlic noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a delicious homemade takeout-style meal!
Ingredients
- For the Candied Walnuts
- ½ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
- For the Crispy Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled & deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 egg whites
- ½ tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Honey Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp condensed milk
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prepare the Candied Walnuts – In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the walnuts and cook for 2-3 minutes until coated and glossy. Transfer to parchment paper and let them cool until crisp.
- 2️⃣ Coat the Shrimp – In a bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and salt. Dip each shrimp into the egg whites, then coat with the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
- 3️⃣ Fry the Shrimp – Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- 4️⃣ Make the Honey Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
- 5️⃣ Combine Everything – Toss the crispy shrimp in the honey sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle with candied walnuts and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. Serve immediately!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the shrimp by frying a second time for 30 seconds.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this helps the shrimp stay crispy.
- For a healthier option, bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- To make it spicier, add 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes to the honey sauce.
- Leftovers? Store shrimp without sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.